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From Now Until “I do!”
Here’s what we’ll need to take care of together over the next several months until the big day!
BOOK YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION - This is important to schedule as soon as possible, especially if you’d like to shoot during a particular time of year. Engagement Sessions are typically photographed on Thursday evenings throughout the year, but if there’s a conflict where that might not work well for you two, we’ll find a mutual date that works! I’ll reach out to you via email with a handful of available dates and we’ll go from there. Visit the Planning Your Engagement Session link for inspiration on location and tips for the perfect outfit!
FIRST LOOK DECISION - Take some time to talk with your fiancé about whether or not you’d like to plan your day around seeing each other prior to the ceremony. This will help us get your timeline planning started and plan the course of your day accordingly.
TIMELINE STRUCTURING - A Questionnaire will be sent shortly after you’ve signed your contract. Your answers will help me construct your initial sample timeline, which we will then review and alter accordingly, should there be any changes over time between then and the wedding day. Of course some of your decisions and final details will not be finalized this early in the planning process, but it’s really helpful to have a rough draft from which to reference along the way.
ENGAGEMENT SESSION - We’ll photograph your e-session and within a few weeks thereafter, your online gallery will be delivered via email.
GUEST BOOK/SAVE THE DATES - Many couples use the images from their engagement session in a Guest Book for the reception or Save the Date cards to mail out at least 4-6 months prior to the wedding date. Save 20% and receive free shipping on Save the Dates by entering promo code “kirstensmith” at checkout when ordering them through Basic Invite! I also list a few of my favorite artists in my Preferred Vendor Rolodex!
QUESTIONS/PLANNING - In the months leading up to your wedding day, feel free to reach out and email me with any questions whatsoever! I’m always happy to help give advice when it comes to color palettes, details, logistics, vendor referrals, and more!
VIP QUESTIONNAIRE - About 3 months prior to your wedding day, a questionnaire will be emailed to you to complete about your Very Important People (family, Bridal Party, and Vendors), which includes space to list your bridal party, family members, and vendor names and information. We will have the master list on the wedding day to help ensure that all of your special requested group photos are photographed, and that no one is left out. I’ll also connect with each of your vendors, introduce myself if we haven’t yet worked together, and make sure our timelines match up, etc.
BALANCE DUE - About 2 months prior to your wedding day, an invoice will be emailed to you with your balance, which is due 30 days prior to your wedding date. Any potential parking and/or photo permit and mileage fees, and any of your requested changes/add-on’s requiring additional investment (i.e. Second Photographer, additional hour of coverage, album, etc.) will be added to the initially contracted investment balance. See your contract for extended details.
FINAL CONSULTATION - A month or so before the wedding, we’ll schedule a chat and/or email exchange to talk about finalizing the timeline, details, and flow of the day. We’ll go over your VIP Questionnaire, any particular things for me to note, any special requests you may have, and more.
RECEIPT OF IMAGES/PRODUCT DESIGN - A few weeks after the wedding day, you’ll receive your online gallery of wedding day images! We’ll then talk about product and album design! After that, the process will virtually be over and we will be sad, but will for sure keep in touch! :)